I had a visitor!

Today is my last day in Colorado! The last few days I had a friend by the name of Eric come and visit me from New Jersey! Eric and I were roomates when I lived in New Jersey, and works at New York City Relief! He flew in on Friday and we didn't do much of anything but hang out on the porch, and talk. Then on Saturday we went to a Christian Rock Festival called Heaven Fest. Kingdom Building Ministries was one of the sponsors and it worked out that Eric got to meet one of his favorite bands and get his picture taken with them. Yesterday we went on a little exploration trip and went to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. It was absolutely amazing, and I have never seen anything like it! We both got feeling a little funny at the top of Pikes Peak, but was an experience neither one of us will forget! It has been great to have one of my best friends fly in and spend some time with me here! I am so thankful for my experience here in Denver, and everyone that I have been able to meet!

God Bless!

dropped in the drink!

Well, today great! We went white water rafting for the 2nd time this summer, and we got to do it on two different rivers! The first was the Lochsa in Kooskia Idaho, and the second was on the Wenatchee River somewhere in Seattle! This is the leader picture, and it is hard to believe that the Lord put together this mangy crew to do his work for the last 16 days! We are exhausted, but keep finding the energy from somewhere to keep going! Please keep us in your prayers! Matt and I are driving the RV's back to Denver starting tonight, and we are both tired. So pray for safety while we travel, and strength and energy for Terrence, Bennett, and Cheryl as they stay with the students here in Seattle for a few extra days! I will try to post some more stories once I get home!! God Bless!

Meet Denny

We travelled to Eastern Washington to a City called Wenatchee. It was a really amazing driving, and we were going to work at a program for 50 - 100 homeless men called the Hospitality House. I met an incredible man named Denny, he was the garden manager, and has been living at the house for about 2 1/2 years. He is 62 years old has two children, and 3 step grand children. He served in our armed forces in Vietnam and worked several different jobs over his life time. He went on to tell me how his wife left him for another man, and when he came home from a week long bender his soon to be x-wife had taken everything including cleaning out their bank account. Within the next 6 months he found out that she had a brain tumor and had passed away. He was devistated, and he talked about it took many years for him to learn how to forgive. When I asked him to speak to our students he didn't talk much, but said "Don't let it take 62 years before you get serious about your faith." I thought it was incredible about how much passion he had for the homeless shelter turned into his home, and how much he loved it there. We had an opportunity to pray for him before we left, and it was a pleasure to have spent the day with him!

I had some help with this one!

I asked these two young ladies to write something that I could post on my blog. They are both students on our 16 Days RoadTrip that I have been involved with this summer! From left to right, Lauren and Imani who are both from Michigan!

"We had amazing experience, ministering to people on the inner city streets of Denver, Colorado. Our team set out on an adventure that included ministering to different people on the streets. After going through several people trying to find one person that God had put on our hearts to talk with. We encountered a man from Africa who worked at a sunglass hut. He had moved from Africa twelve years ago with his brother, and he seemed like an amazing person. Our team had begun talking to him and about his past, then we realized it was passed our meeting time. When we started back to our meeting place I felt that I had done a pretty good job talking to him. We were rushing to get where we needed back to our team meeting place, Imani started to tell Matt (our leader) how she was disappointed that one lady we tried to reach out to wasn’t willing to talk to us. Then I realized that I hadn’t prayed for the man at the sunglass hut, and I started to cry. I felt that God had put it on my heart to go back and pray for him … He needs it. God told me I just knew that I needed to go back. So we figured out a plan we had fifteen minutes they said so we headed back to the sunglass hut, which was about a block away. I was very excited about the opportunity to go back and pray for him. We browsed around for a bit because we had been there once before, and I said “Is there anything that you need me to pray for?” Then Imani asked if we could pray over him and he said “yes!” We could tell God was there, and we then bought sunglasses and headed back to our group!"

I travel back to Colorado tomorrow to pick up another set of 16 days students! Keep us in your prayers!

A day that makes you think!

Today we started out in Seattle, Washington, and travelled a few miles down the road to Country Children's Home. This is a place where 8 severally physically handicap children live upon dismissal from the hospital, or if there parents are unable to continue care on their own. We were not able to take pictures of the children, but one of the things that I helped with while there is the sorting of the toys. We had to find out which ones worked, and which ones didn't. It was just something that the staff there just didn't have time to do. It was amazing to watch our students play with these kids who could hardly move, and couldn't talk. Most were very tentative at first, but as we moved on through out the day they became much more interactive. There was one young lady who was 16 years old, and was in hospice care. She has Huntington's, which disease that attacks the central nervous system and started with being unable to move her legs, and has worked the rest of the way up her body. She is assumed to have only a couple weeks to live. Huntington's is a genetic disease, which her mother was unaware she has when she and her husband had 3 children. Her mother passed away a few years ago, and all 3 children have this disease. I have had a really hard time today imagining being this Dad, and having to watch my wife and 3 children pass on in such a way. I don't know what I would do, or how I would react to such a thing. If you could remember this family in your prayers it would be appreciated.

Also, we have spent alot of time traveling over the last several days, and I have been able to have some very good talks with our students. I would also ask for prayer because there are several working through some very deep wounds. I pray that during this trip that the healing process is started, and that God will use me to speak into their lives.

God Bless,

Andy

Good Morning!

Early mornings, late nights, and long drives have been the norm lately. The drive from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Salt Lake City Utah yesterday was the most spectacular drive of my life. There was one time in particular that stands out above the rest. We were driving in somewhere in Wyoming when we round a corner, and there it was! Up close and personal with a magnificent snow capped mountain. Unlike anything I have ever seen. Just then one my fellow drives gets on the CB and says “How can you tell me there isn’t a God?” That is the question I asked myself the rest of the day, corner after corner of unbelievable views it was a day that reaffirmed that there is a God and how awesome he is!

And we are off!

The students arrived on Wednesday, and they have spent the last 2 days in intense study and discipleship time. Last night we surprised them with a 11:00 p.m. wake up call to go bowling. I think all the leaders are paying for that today! Today they are playing what is called "The Game," and will be trouncing all over Denver using only public transportation on a scavenger hunt. We will then pick them up and head out towards Seattle. We will be making stops along the way for different experiences, which is everything from picking apples with the homeless to white water rafting! We will be taking 3 RVs on this trip, and I am driving one of them. It is about 1600 miles one way, so if you would please pray for safety, patients, and strength as we prepare to pour into these students for the next 13 days. I again will update as much as possible along the way, but I am not sure how often I will have Internet access in places like Kooskia, Idaho! God Bless

What a Week!

I sorry that there hasn't been a blog in a while! You have my sincerest apologises! However, things are going to start picking up drastically, and I will have a lot more to write about assuming I have time! This last week we went down to Wilmore, Kentucky for a christian music festival called Ichthus. It was crazy, and we were able to do some really cool things. The main reason we were down there was to do some marketing for KBM's discipleship programs. We were able to give out T-shirts that said "I feel ...." and also had a really big blank smiley face on them. We had a bunch of markers and people were able to draw all over them! They were an absolute hit, and when it was announced on the main stage that we were giving out free shirts is was mayhem! We gave out about 1500 shirts in less than a half hour! It was great advertisement! We are now in Seymore, Indiana at a camp called Spring Hill, and it is incredible! This is where the KBM's new week long discipleship camp is going to be held next year. We fly back to Colorado tonight, and then have one day before the 16 Days students arrive on Wednesday! Please keep us all in your prayers!

Meet The Team!

I have been here in Colorado for almost two weeks now, and things are rolling. After several trips to the Denver International Airport the 16 Days Team is in full force and ready for action. First off is Matt "The Terror" Beasly he is from North Carolina is a youth ministry major at Southern Weselyan University, and has a really thick southern accent. Next is Sara "The Secret Weapon" Luce who is from Tennessee, and is on the verge of completing her 8 month intership with KBM. She attends Sewanee: The University of the South, and is majoring in International and Global studies. The big man in the middle is Terrence "The Bulldog" Williams who has been the Director of Training at Kingdom Building Ministries for three years. Of course you have me, Andy "The Hammer" Gibson. Last but not least you have Bennett "The Sniper" Giles. He is also from Tennessee, and attends King College where he is a Business Management major and soccer extraordinaire!

Well... I made it!

I just wanted to say hello to everyone that was wondering if I made it Colorado safely or not. It was a wonderful drive out. I will have to say that it is beautiful out here. I was amazed when driving into NYC, and again I am amazed driving around out here. The mountains are incredible, but the air is very thin! My roomate and I went on a "run" last night, and I was sucking air after a few blocks. I am at work for my second day now. I am still gettting aquainted with things and the people in my new home. They have all been amazing, and very open. I will continue to work with a number of different people in the office, until we leave for the 16 days trip. I will keep everyone updated as things progress!

God Bless,


Andy

Saying good-bye is never easy!

Today was my last day of work at New York City Relief. It started like any typical Wednesday with prayer and worship in the morning, lunch, and then meetings. About 1:30 when our team meeting was supposed to start, they said they need my help unloading some things. What do I find? They all got me an ice cream cake! It was very difficult for me to leave today. I have grown personally, and met so many people that have played a very important role in that growth. NYCR will always have a special place in my heart! I want to thank everyone at NYCR for welcoming me into their family, and accepting me not inspite of my flaws but because of them! I am spending my last day in the city hanging out at the Today Show and Central Park reflecting on my time here. I fly home on Friday, have graduation on Saturday, and speak for the youth at Wabash Friends Church on Sunday. I am having an pot luck open house on May 4 from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. at White's Lodge. You can R.S.V.P. at kathy.gibson@whitesrfs.org. I also wanted to thank everyone at home for your prayers and support that has allowed me to have an experience of a life time!

God Bless,

Andy

A pick-up game of ball in Manhattan!

Today was one of the most fun days I have ever had on the bus. Since I had gotten here in February I wanted to play a pick up game of basketball, but it just hadn't been nice enough out for that to happen. Today turned out to be that day. I had shot baskets with a guy named Dee Dee once before, but there more people today. We played 4 on 4, and they played with some weird rules! It was funny to listen to the trash talk, and the guy I gaurded was nicknamed Tree. He was about 6'6" 260 lbs, and was a really nice guy. We only got to play one game because we were all out of shape, but afterwards I got to hang out. It was a great way to really get "in" and be able to talk and establish a relationship.

I am leaving for Washington DC tomorrow morning. My roomate and I are going for two days to see as many sights as possible. I would like for everyone to keep us in your prayers as we travel.

God Bless,

Andy

And your host....David Letterman!

Thus far on my blog I have told some stories about my experiences on the relief bus, but I thought it was time I fill you in on a fun story. I applied for tickets to The Late Show with David Letterman in January. The tickets are free and you are chosen on the lottery system. Two weeks ago I recieved a phone call from Keith with The Late Show, and going into it I knew I had to answer a trivia question if called. I was really nervous that I would get this call, and not know the answer to the question, but I did! So this last Monday afternoon my roommate Eric and I went to a taping of The Late Show with David Letterman. The whole process of getting in was really crazy. We sat in the balcony of the Ed Sullivan Theater,and everything there was alot smaller than it appears on TV. Dave talked to the audience for only a minute or two before the show started, but it was a really cool experience. I will also tell you that it was alot funnier in person than on tv. So if you are ever in NYC make sure you try to get tickets to the Late Show it is well worth your time!

Need Some Prayer

I just wanted to write and let everyone know I am still alive and kicking. Things here are going so well, and I truly love what I am doing. I do have a prayer request. There has been some violence around the relief bus. I want to reassure everyone that it has no connection to or with anyone from the bus, but your prayers for saftey for staff and for volunteers would be greatly appreciated. I also wanted to tell everyone that I will be going to a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman on Monday March 31, and if you watch look for me!

A sad day in Harlem

The gentleman in this picture is named Anthony. He is 52 years old, and he is a heroin addict. He had been clean 4 days up until today, and was in pretty bad shape when he came to the bus. It was only about 40 degrees that day, and he came wearing only sweats and a light jacket. We put a couple of shirts on him to try to keep him warm. The entire time he was at the bus he went in and out of conciousness, and could hardly talk. We were able to decifer that he wanted help getting into a detox, but was not able to walk on his own. We called the ambulance to come and get him. However, there is some good news that came out of all of this. The other man in the picture came to the Relief Bus about 6 weeks ago, when we helped him get into a detox. He has now been clean for 6 weeks, staying in a rehab facility, and taking computer classes. He was helping with Anthony when he started crying saying "This was me 6 weeks ago. I just can't thank you guys enough!"

Week # 4

Today was the day that I met Elaine. She is a 53 year old mother of two the youngest is 20 years old. She is not homeless, and in fact has a place not to far from where the bus parks. However, she now lives alone because her husband passed away a few months back because of a brain aneurysm. One of the first things she old me was that she was believer and had been saved. The reason she came to see us today was that she was that she had started using heroine again, and wanted to go into a detox and get right with God. She said that has been through a program and completed it, but is not sure why she started using again. She went on to say that she just didn’t know how to handle things that were going on in here life. With her husband passing we were trying to helping her secure her husband social security so that after she got out she would have some options available. However, this was going to take some time, and did not allow us to get her into the detox today. We were able to pray with her, and that put a smile on her face! Over that 45 minutes her mood improved, and I believe that through our outreach we were able to instill some hope in her and her future. If you would keep Elaine in your prayers I would appreciate it, and I know that she would too!
God Bless

Week #2

I would like to introduce you to Johnny. Johnny is one of many homeless in New York City. During our conversation John told me many things that I have not been able to forget.
He readily admitted that he is an alcoholic, and said he would be drunk 24/7 if he could. He collects about 240 can each night in his shopping cart, which translates to $12 at the recycling center. This is the money he uses to buy alcohol. He says that most days he is able to get everything he needs from the street. This includes clothes, food, companionship, and no responsibility. He went on to say that this is where he feels comfortable, and that is because he understands the streets. He is infected with HIV, and has cirrhosis of the liver. He can fit everything he owns in a midsize suite case, which he wraps in plastic when it rains. He looked me straight in the eye with so much conviction and said “there is no hope.”

Those words have echoed in my head over and over again. As it says in 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." How lucky are we as Christians to know that no matter how bleak or glim things here on earth appear we will always have hope.

Week #1

To be honest I am not even sure where to begin. I can tell you I appreciate all emails, prayers, and phone calls I have received from everyone at home! This week has been the most exhausting, trying, and rewarding weeks of my life. The first week of my journey has shown me a world I was not familiar with. It is a challenge to try and convey the things I have seen, heard, and learned over the last week. The sheer size of the Newark/New York City area is unbelievable! I heard this week that 1/10th of the U.S population lives within 100 miles of my home here in Elizabeth, NJ. The traffic is crazy, and I don’t think that anyone knows what a turn signal, stop sign, or speed limit is. There are 170 languages spoken daily in New York City. For the first time in my life I wish I would have paid more attention in Spanish class! There is an estimated 70,000 homeless in the NYC area. Our goal at New York City Relief is to provide a pathway to help and hope to the poor and oppressed. We use food and clothes as an in to get to the more serious needs of those who we serve. There are two relief buses that go to Newark, Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We are able to give out 450 to 1050 servings of soup, bread, and hot chocolate per day. It does make a difference, but the need goes way beyond what you can even comprehend. The use of drugs is noticeable at every stop. The difference between each stop is noticeable as well. Most of the people we serve are open and receptive to help, but it has amazed me how picky, unappreciative, and greedy some can be. Greed doesn’t appear to have a tax bracket attached. It is more exhausting than I ever imagined. I have had jobs that were physically and even emotionally exhausting, but the added spiritual element, that has been amazing, take so much more out of me. There is so much that I do not understand, and can’t comprehend. There have been 3 events that have stuck out in my mind this week. We were in the Bronx at Love Gospel, and a lady came in who was a severe drug addict and suicidal. We got her to come inside the bus, and talked to her about getting help that she so desperately needed. We called the ambulance and prayed that she would stay until it got there, which she did! The second was in Harlem, which was by far the roughest of all the areas I went. The crack house, prostitutes, and people were incredible. To the left of where we parked was a hotel that rents rooms by the hour and too our right was a well known crack house. The area is also well known for the number of homeless. The homeless are very resourceful… the things that we would just toss aside in a trash can they would find a way to use. The third event that sticks out was today when we were in Brooklyn. The site is where a lot of children come hang out and get something to eat. I was able to stand outside and make balloon animals for the kids there. The smile on those kids faces is something that I will never forget! I have so many stories and observation I could go on for pages! I have posted a slideshow that I hope is working correctly, and I hope you take the time to look through. It is just a few of the pictures I have taken. I will be sure to post more as they come in! Again thank you so much for your support, prayers, and encouragement.

God Bless

Andy

Just a few pics for you!

Opps!!

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still doing well, and will probably be updating this once a week. However, I was just informed that I made a mistake on some of my fundraising letters! There is a typo on Wabash Friends Return address. The correct address should be 3563 South State Road 13 Wabash, IN 46992. For those of you sending in support it is greatly appreciated, and I am not sure I can thank you enough! I am only 6 days into this expernience, and it is amazing!

It is finally here!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am safely in New Jersey. My flight down here was a royal pain again, but I won't have to deal with that for a while! I have all my things here, and everything is put away. I got to go to the city yesterday, and it was absolutely incredible. There are so many people, buildings, and things going on! The Giants won the Superbowl last night, and that has all that has been on tv since. I start working on the Relief Bus tomorrow, and if you want to have a better idea of what I will be doing you can look at my video bar on this blog. You can also follow the link on this blog to the NYCR web page. I feel so blessed and privledged to go on this mission trip over the next 10 months! I appreciate everyone's prayers and support!

It's crunch time!

I have officially completed my master's program. On Tuesday January 22, 2008 I finished my last class, and it is as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It is hard to believe that the last 23 months has gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from high school try to determine whether or not to attend college. Now almost 10 years later and 6 1/2 years of school I have an M.B.A. Tonight is also my last night of work at White's Residential and Family Services. I still have many things to do before I fly out on February 1. As of last week I thought I had everything planned, and was getting ready to send out all my support letters. However, there have been a few wrenches thrown in my plans, and now things are going to have to change. At this point I am unsure when I will be able to send those letters out, and how I am going to raise support. But I am still going to New Jersey. I have faith that everything will work out as it needs too, and all my needs will be met on this journey. Your continued prays and support is appreciated.

Andy

I am ready to go back!

Hello!

I am just trying to figure out how this works exactly so that when I offically go I will be ready to fill everyone in on my adventure! The trip to New York City Relief last week was absolutely amazing! I almost didn't come home! However, after being out there for a few days I am more excited than every before about the journey I am about to go on! The people that I am going to be working with were great and treated me like one of the family. The people of New York City whom I am there to serve are also incredible. I was able to see everything from hyperdermic needles laying around the sight where we parked the bus to a little boy smiling ear to ear because I was able to give him a pack of M&M's! The short trip there reminded me how thankful I should be for being raise in such a loving and giving family. It is very difficult to explain the conditions in which some of these people endure on a daily basis. I have never had to think about where I am going to get my next meal, sleep at night, or enough clothes to wear. It has made me think "Why do I only celebrate Thanksgiving only once a year?" I will upload some pictures as soon as I figure out how. I also want to thank you all for your support, because I could not do this with out you!

Andy